Apparatus and system for transporting an item

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system are disclosed for transporting an item. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid frame and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support. The substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the frame. The substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the frame.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,056 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM,AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM” and filed on Sep. 25, 2014 for GregG. Nelson which claims the priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/882,557 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ACONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Sep. 25, 2013 for Greg G.Nelson and to Application No. 62/033,681 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM,AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Aug. 6, 2014for Greg G. Nelson, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly relatesto transportation of folding chairs.

BACKGROUND

Folding chairs are generally used for seating in areas where permanentseating is not possible or practical. This includes outdoor and indoorevents such as college graduations, religious services, sporting events,concerts and competitions. Such events may be held in areas far fromvehicle access. Thus, user's often carry the folding chairs greatdistances so that they can have comfortable seating when they arrive attheir chosen event.

Attendees of these events often carry coolers or other items to theseevents. Carrying multiple items can become burdensome and the user mayend up making several trips back and forth from their vehicle to thedestination to deliver their items. To relieve some of this burden,chair manufacturers have developed chairs with shoulder harnesses toassist in carrying the chairs.

These harnesses have several shortcomings. First, the harnesses areirremovably coupled to the chair. In traversing a wooded area, theharnesses may snag on trees or branches making the walk or hike muchmore difficult. Additionally, once the user arrives at the chosendestination and set up the chair, the harnesses hang down from the chairin the dirt causing the harnesses to become unsanitary and unsightly.

Another shortcoming resulting from an irremovable shoulder harness isintroduced when the user wishes to use a backpack to transport itemsonce the user arrives at the chosen destination. For users with chairshaving storage compartments and irremovable harnesses, to transport theitem, the user must also transport the chair. The present invention hasbeen developed to provide an apparatus that overcomes many or all of theabove-discussed shortcomings in the art.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor an apparatus and system that avoids the problems associate withtransporting a chair. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system wouldalso avoid placing the support harness in unsanitary environments.

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable transport systems. Accordingly, the present invention has beendeveloped to provide an apparatus and system for transporting an itemthat overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in theart.

The apparatus to transport an item on a user's back includes, in certainembodiments, a panel and at least one substantially rigid shouldersupport. The panel includes a substantially flat material. The shouldersupport is pivotably coupled to the panel. The shoulder support ispivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In thestorage position, the shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel.In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from thepanel.

The panel, in one embodiment, is either a back panel on a folding chairor a folding chair seat panel. In another embodiment, the panel is aback panel on a backpack.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a substantiallyrigid frame. In such an embodiment, the shoulder support is pivotablycoupled to the panel by the substantially rigid frame.

The frame, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a chair back frame and achair seat frame. The chair back frame includes a top end and a bottomend. The chair seat frame includes a front end disposed opposite a rearend. In such an embodiment, shoulder support may be pivotably coupled toeither top end of the chair back frame or the front end of the chairseat frame.

The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a cushion pivotablycoupled to the chair back frame. The cushion is pivotably positionablein a head rest position and lumbar support position.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a footrest removablycoupled to the chair seat frame. In such an embodiment a height of thefootrest is adjustable.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a front leg frameand a rear leg frame. In such an embodiment, a length of either thefront leg frame, the rear leg frame, or both is adjustable to adjust aheight of a chair seat panel.

The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes an arm rest and a drinkholder. The arm rest is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame at afirst end of the at arm rest, the drink holder is pivotably coupled toand extends from a second end of arm rest. The drink holder is pivotablypositionable between a folded position and a drink holding position.

The shoulder support, in one embodiment, includes an extending portionand a hooking portion. The extending portion extends substantiallyperpendicularly from the panel with the shoulder support positioned inthe transport position. The hooking portion extends from the extendingportion. The hooking portion transitions to an angle substantiallyparallel to the panel. In such an embodiment, the extending portion isapproximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulderfrom a chest of the user to a back of the user.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are inany single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referringto the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specificfeature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with anembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion ofthe features and advantages, and similar language, throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that thesubject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specificfeatures or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances,additional features and advantages may be recognized in certainembodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

These features and advantages of the present subject matter will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a left side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertiblebackpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertiblebackpack chair according to the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertiblebackpack chair in a folded position according to the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable packaccording to the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertiblebackpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportablebackpack chair in a folded position according to the present subjectmatter;

FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportablebackpack chair of FIG. 6 in an open position according to the presentsubject matter;

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportablebackpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders;

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportablebackpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus totransport an item on a user's back;

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chairaccording to the present subject matter;

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director'schair according to the present subject matter; and

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director's backpackchair of FIG. 11 in a closed position according to the present subjectmatter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in anembodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, butdo not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subjectmatter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subjectmatter.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a convertible backpackchair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments,the convertible backpack chair includes a folding chair 102, a pack 104removably coupled to the folding chair 102 and a harness 106 coupled tothe pack 104.

The folding chair 102, in certain embodiments, includes a chair backframe 108, a back support panel 202, a chair seat frame 110, a seatsupport panel 204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg frame 114, and apair of armrests 116 a and 116 b (collectively 116).

Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which depicts a perspective view ofone embodiment of the convertible backpack chair 100 according to thepresent disclosure. In certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 hasa top end 118 disposed opposite a bottom end 120. As can be more clearlyseen in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 issubstantially U-shaped and supports the back support panel 202.

The chair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes a front end 122disposed opposite a rear end 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the chairseat frame 110 is also substantially U-shaped and supports the seatsupport panel 204. In certain embodiments, the rear end 124 of the chairseat frame 110 is pivotably coupled to the bottom end 120 of the chairback frame 108. Thus, the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame108 can pivot towards and away from one another in the directionindicated by arrow 126. The pivotability of the chair seat frame 110with respect to the chair back frame 108 allows the back support panel202 and the seat support panel 204 to be positioned adjacent one anotherto place the chair 102 in a folded position as shown in FIG. 3.

In certain embodiments, the folding chair 102 includes a front leg frame112 and a rear leg frame 114. The front leg frame 112 and the rear legframe 114, like the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame, arealso substantially U-Shaped. The front leg frame 112 has a top ends 128a and 128 b (collectively top end 128) disposed opposite a bottom end130. The front leg frame 112 is pivotably coupled to the chair seatframe 110 at a position between the front end 122 and the rear end 124of the chair seat frame 110 and at a position between the top end 128and the bottom end 130 of the front leg frame 112. In certainembodiments, a pining member 132 extends through each side of the frontleg frame 112 and through each side of the chair seat frame 110 topivotably couple the front leg frame 112 to the chair seat frame 110.

The rear leg frame 115 is also substantially U-Shaped. The rear legframe includes top ends 136 a and 136 b (collectively top end 136)disposed opposite a bottom end 138. The rear leg frame 115 pivotablycoupled to the front leg frame 112 at the top ends 136 a and 136 b ofthe rear leg frame and the top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front legframe 112 by pining members 140 a and 140 b.

The armrests 116 a and 116 b are pivotably coupled to the chair backframe 108 at each side of the chair back frame 108 between the top end118 and the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108. Pinning members144 a and 144 b extend through the armrests 116 a and 116 b and througheach side of the chair back frame 108 to pivotably couple the armrests116 a and 116 b to the chair back frame 108. The armrests 116 a and 116b are also pivotably coupled to the top ends 136 a and 136 b of the rearleg frame 115 and the top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front leg frame112 to support a front end of the armrests 116 a and 116 b.

In an exemplary embodiment, the armrests 116 a and 116 b are adjustablycoupled to the top ends 136 a and 136 b of the rear leg frame 115 andthe top ends 128 a and 128 b of the front leg frame 112 by pinningmembers 140 a and 140 b positioned through adjusting members 142 a and142 b. In certain embodiments, the pinning members 140 a and 140 bengage grooves in the adjusting members 142 a and 142 b to adjust anangle of the a chair back frame 108 for the comfort of the user.

The apparatus 100 also includes a pack 104 removably coupled to thefolding chair 102. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, thepack 104 is depicted as being positioned adjacent the back support panel202. In other embodiments, the pack 104 may be positioned adjacent theseat support panel 204.

The pack 104, in certain embodiments, comprises a container for holdingvarious items according to a user's desires. Thus, as is more clearlyshown in FIG. 4, the pack 104 includes a top end panel 402, a bottom endpanel 404, side panels 406 and 408, front panel 410 and rear panel 412.The top end 402, the bottom end panel 404, the side panels 406 and 408,the front panel 410 and the rear panel 412 define a receiving space forreceiving the user's various items.

In one embodiment, the harness 106 is coupled to the pack 104. Theharness 106 includes at least one shoulder strap 148. In an exemplaryembodiment, the at least one shoulder strap 148 comprises at least twoshoulder straps 148 a and 148 b. In such an embodiment, the at least twoshoulder straps 148 a and 148 b have an attached end 414 (see FIG. 4)and an attachable end 416 (see FIG. 4.) The attached end 414 of each ofthe at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b is coupled to a firstend (the bottom end 404) of the pack 104. In other embodiments, theattached end 414 of each of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and148 b may be coupled to the pack 104 at other positions on the pack 104.

The harness 106 is positionable between a chair transporting position,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a pack transporting position, as shown inFIG. 4. In the chair transporting position, the shoulder straps 148 aand 148 b are removably coupled to the chair 102. In FIGS. 2 and 3 theattachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are shown asbeing removably coupleable to a chair seat portion 206 of the foldingchair 102. In other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of the shoulderstraps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupleable to a chair back portion208 of the folding chair 102. In the chair transporting position, thetop end 402 of the folding chair 102 is removably coupleable to thechair seat portion 206 or the chair back portion 208 which dependingupon which portion the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removablycoupled to. As used herein the chair seat portion 206 includes either orboth of the chair seat frame 110 and the seat support panel 204 and thechair back portion 208 includes either or both of chair back frame 108and the back support panel 202. One of skill in the art will recognizethat in other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of the shoulderstraps 148 a and 148 b may be removably coupleable to the folding chair102 on other components of the folding chair 102.

In the pack transporting position, the at least one shoulder strap 148 aand 148 b is removably coupled to the pack 104. Note that in FIG. 4 theharness 106 has not been coupled to the pack 104, in other embodiments,the harness 106 is removably coupled to the pack 104 by attaching thecomponents of the coupling element 146. Thus, in one embodiment, theattachable end 416 of the at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 bare removably coupleable to a second end of the pack (the top end 402.)In other embodiments, the attachable end 416 of each of the at least twoshoulder straps 148 a and 148 b may be removably coupleable to the pack104 at other positions on the pack 104.

In certain embodiments, the pack 104 is removably coupled to the foldingchair 102 by at least one pack coupling element 146. In certainembodiments, the pack coupling elements 146 comprise any deviceconfigured to removably couple one item to another (i.e., a strap, hookand loop fastener, etc.) In other embodiments, as is more clearlydepicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the pack couplingelements are a two piece buckle having a male component 146 a and afemale component 146 b. In such an embodiment, either the malecomponents 146 a or the female components 146 b may be coupled to thepack 104 and the folding chair 102 in a complimentary fashion such thatthe harness 106 and the pack 104 can be coupled to one another in thechair transporting position and the attachable end 416 of the shoulderstraps 148 a and 148 b can be coupled to the top end 402 of the pack 104in the pack transporting position.

In certain embodiments, to removably couple the pack 104 to the foldingchair 102, at least one male component 146 a or female component 146 bof the coupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair seat frame 110 by astrapping element 302 that extends around the chair seat frame 110 tocouple the male component(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to thechair seat frame 110. Similarly, in certain embodiments, at least onemale component 146 a or female component 146 b of the coupling elements146 is coupled to the chair back frame 108 by a strapping element 304that extends around the chair seat frame 110 to couple the malecomponent(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to the chair back frame108. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the pack 104 is removably coupledto the folding chair 102 by strapping elements 302 and 304 that extendaround the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108respectively.

In other embodiments, the coupling elements 146 may be integral with thestrapping elements 302 and/or 304. For example, in embodiments whereinthe coupling elements are hook and loop type fasteners, the hook andloop fasteners may comprise a strip of either the hook portion or theloop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In such an embodiment thestrip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook andloop fastener may be directly coupled to the chair seat frame 110 andthe chair back frame 108.

While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 depict the pack 104 asbeing removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 in only twopositions (i.e., at the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108 and atthe front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110), one of skill in the artwill recognize that the pack 104 may be removably coupleable to thefolding chair 102 at other positions. For example, FIG. 5 is a rightside view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair500 in accordance with the present subject matter. In certainembodiments, the convertible backpack chair 500 of FIG. 5 issubstantially similar to the convertible backpack chair 100 of FIG. 1.Thus, in one embodiment, the convertible backpack chair 500 includes afolding chair 102, a pack 104 removably coupled to the folding chair 102and a harness 106 coupled to the pack 104.

In certain embodiments, in addition to being removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 near the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108, thepack 104 and/or the harness 106 may also be removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 near the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108.For example, in one embodiment, the pack 104 is coupled to the foldingchair 102 near the top end 118 of the chair back frame 108 by a hook andloop coupling element 502. A bottom end 504 of the pack 104 is coupledto the folding chair 102 near the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame108 by another hook and loop coupling element 506. In certainembodiments, another hook and loop coupling element 508 couples theharness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110. In yetanother embodiment, where the harness 106 includes two straps 148 a and148 b two hook and loop coupling elements 508 couple the two straps 148a and 148 b of the harness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seatframe 110.

In other embodiments, the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 may also beremovably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the rear end 124 of thechair seat frame 110 by yet another hook and loop coupling element (notshown). One of skill in the art will recognize other positions in whichto removably couple the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 to the foldingchair 102.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportablebackpack chair 600 in a folded position according to the present subjectmatter. In certain embodiments the backpack chair 600 includes a foldingchair 602 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder harness 604 aand 604 b (collectively 604).

The folding chair 602, in one embodiment, is substantially similar tothe folding chair 102 described above. Accordingly, in certainembodiments, the folding chair 602 includes a chair back frame 108, aback support panel 202, a chair seat frame 110, a seat support panel204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg frame 114, and a pair of armrests116 a and 116 b.

Referring to FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of thetransportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 in an open position accordingto the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the chair backframe 108 has a top end 118 disposed opposite a bottom end 120. Thechair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes a front end 122disposed opposite a rear end 124.

Referring again to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, backpack chair 102includes at least two substantially rigid shoulder supports (i.e.,shoulder support 604 a and 604 b). In other embodiments, the backpackchair 102 may only include one shoulder support 604. In yet anotherembodiment, the backpack chair 102 may include more than two shouldersupports 604.

The shoulder supports 604, in an exemplary embodiment, are pivotablycoupled to the folding chair 102. For example, in one embodiment, eachshoulder support 604 is coupled to the front end 122 of the chair seatframe 110 by screws 606 a and 606 b (collectively 606) positionedthrough each shoulder support 604 and through the front end 122 of thechair seat frame 110. In certain embodiments, each shoulder support 604is pivotable about the screws 606 to reposition the shoulder supports604 as further discussed below.

Each shoulder support 604 is pivotable from a storage position 608, asshown in FIG. 6, to a transporting position 702, as shown in FIG. 7.That is, in certain embodiment, each shoulder support 604 is pivotableabout the screws 606 in the directions indicated by arrows 616 a and 6 a6 b respectively. In the storage position 608, the shoulder supports 604are positioned adjacent to the chair seat panel 204. In this position,the shoulder supports 604 are positioned inside the chair seat frame110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes biasingelement configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shouldersupport 604 in either the storage position 608 or the transport position702. For example, in one embodiment, springs 610 a and 610 b(collectively 610) are positioned between the chair seat frame 110 andthe shoulder supports 604. The springs 610 provide tension to keep theshoulder supports 604 positioned in either the storage position 608 orthe transporting position 702.

In the transporting position 702, the shoulder supports 604 extend awayfrom the chair seat panel 204. In the transporting position 702, theshoulder supports 604 may be positioned over a user's shoulders to carrythe backpack chair 600. For example, in one embodiment, each shouldersupport 604 includes an extending portion 612 a and 612 b respectivelyand a hooking portion 614 a and 614 b respectively.

The extending portions 612 a and 612 b of the shoulder supports 604extend substantially perpendicularly from chair seat panel when theshoulder supports 604 are positioned in the transport position 702. Thehooking portions 614 a and 614 b of the shoulder supports 604 extendfrom the extending portions 612 a and 612 b respectively at an anglesubstantially parallel to the chair seat panel 204.

In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b of theshoulder supports 604 are approximately the same width as a width of auser's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back. For example,with reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the distance 704 betweenthe hooking portion 614 a of shoulder support 604 and the chair seatpanel 204 is sufficient to comfortably fit an average user's shoulderfrom the user's chest to the user's back.

While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the shouldersupports 604 as being pivotably coupled to the front end 122 of thechair seat frame 110, one of skill in the art will recognize that inother embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled tothe rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110. In yet another embodiment,the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to either the top end118 or a bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108.

Referring again to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the backpack chair600 includes a cushion 706. The cushion, in one embodiment, is coupledto the chair back frame 108 by a bar 708. In certain embodiment, the bar708 is pivotable to reposition the cushion 706 in from a head restposition (as shown in phantom lines) and lumbar support position (asshown in solid lines). In an exemplary embodiment, the cushion 706 isremovable.

In another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a footrest 710.The footrest 710 in one embodiment, is supported by a footrest frame716. The footrest frame 716, in certain embodiments, is adjustablycoupled to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110 by means of anadjustable ratchet as is known in the art. Thus, in certain embodimentsa height of the footrest 710 may be adjusted as is illustrated in FIG. 7with the solid and phantom lines depicting the footrest 710 and thefootrest frame 716. In an exemplary embodiment, the footrest 710, likethe cushion 706, is removable.

In one embodiment, an angle of the footrest 710 is adjustable. In suchan embodiment, the footrest 710 is coupled to the footrest frame 716 bya bar 718 that extends through the footrest 710 and the footrest frame716. The footrest 710 is pivotable about the bar 718 to adjust the angleof the footrest 710.

In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a drinkholder 712. The drink holder 712, in certain embodiments, is pivotablycoupled to and extends from an end of the arm rest 116 a oppositewherein the arm rest 116 a is coupled to the chair back frame 108. Insuch an embodiment, the drink holder 712 is pivotably adjustable toadjust a position of a user's drink.

In certain embodiment, the height of the backpack chair 600 may beadjusted. For example, in one embodiment, a length of the front legframe 112 is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines showing anelongated front leg frame 112. Similarly, in certain embodiments, thelength of the rear leg frame 114 may also be adjusted as depicted by thephantom lines showing an elongated rear leg frame 114. Either or both ofthe front leg frame 112 and the rear leg frame 114 may be adjustable toadjust a height of the front of the chair seat panel 204, a rear of thechair seat panel 204 or both.

FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportablebackpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders. FIG.8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpackchair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604are sized to comfortably rest on the user's 802 shoulders. In oneembodiment, the shoulder supports 604 are made of a material having asufficient structural rigidity to support the backpack chair when theshoulder supports 604 are positioned over the user's shoulders.

In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600may be used with the backpack chair 100 discussed above with referenceto FIG. 1. For example, in certain embodiments, backpack chair 100(FIG. 1) may include shoulder supports (not shown) substantially similarto the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600. Once the pack 104has been removed from the backpack chair 100 in a manner discussedabove, the user may use the shoulder supports 604 to transport thebackpack chair 100. This allows the user more freedom in their chairtransporting choices.

While the embodiments described above discuss a transportable backpackchair 600 or 100, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certainembodiments the shoulder supports 604 may be used to transport otheritems. For example, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604may be pivotably coupled to a backpack, a cooler, or any other objectthat a user may wish to carry on his or her back.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus 900to transport an item on a user's back. The apparatus 900, in certainembodiments, includes a substantially flat panel 902 and at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support 904 a and 904 b (collectivelyshoulder supports 904).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the substantially flat panel902 is a back panel on a backpack 908. In other embodiments, thesubstantially flat panel may be a side or end of a cooler. One of skillin the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the apparatus 900may include any other flat panel to which the shoulder supports 904 maybe pivotably coupled to transport an item on a user's back.

The flat panel 902, in one embodiment, is a piece of material or fabricsupported by a backpack frame 906. That is, in certain embodiments, thebackpack 908 includes a frame 906 to which the flat panel 902 iscoupled. The backpack frame 902 includes at least three sides to supportthe flat panel 902. In other embodiments, the flat panel may comprise asubstantially rigid material that holds its own form without thebackpack frame 906.

The shoulder supports 904, in certain embodiments, are substantiallysimilar to the shoulder supports 604 discussed above with reference toFIG. 6 the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6. That is, incertain embodiments, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled tothe panel 902 and include an extending portion 612 a and 612 brespectively and a hooking portion 614 a and 614 b respectively.

In one embodiment, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotable from astorage position 606 (See, FIG. 6) to a transporting position 702 (See,FIG. 7). In the storage position 606, the shoulder supports arepositioned adjacent the panel 902. In the transporting position 702, theshoulder supports extend from the panel 902.

In the transport position 702, the extending portions 612 a and 612 bextend away from the panel 902. In one embodiment, in the transportposition 702, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the panel 902. In other embodiments,the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend away from the panel 902 atan angle other than ninety degrees. Of course, one of skill in the artwill recognize that in certain embodiments, the user may adjust theangle at which the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend from thepanel 902 to accommodate a user's shoulders and comfort.

The hooking portions 614 a and 614 b extend from the extending portions612 a and 612 b and transition from the extending portions 612 a and 612b to an angle substantially parallel to the panel 902. In oneembodiment, the transition between the angle of the extending portions612 a and 612 b and the angle of the hooking portions 614 a and 614 b isninety degrees. In other embodiments, the transition between the angleof the extending portions 612 a and 612 b and the angle of the hookingportions 614 a and 614 b is gradual such that the shoulder supports 904include curved portions 910 a and 910 b respectively to accommodate auser's shoulders.

In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b are sizedto comfortable accommodate a user's shoulders. That is, in oneembodiment, the extending portions 612 a and 612 b are approximately thesame length as an average width of a user's shoulder from the chest of auser to the back of the user. In one embodiment, the average width of auser's shoulder is between about six inches and twelve inches.

In embodiments where the panel 902 is supported by the frame 906, theshoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to the panel 902 byfastening elements 914 a and 914 b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) aboutwhich the shoulder supports 904 pivot.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 600 includes biasing elements(i.e., springs 610 a and 610 b) to keep the shoulder supports 904positioned in either the storage position 608 or the transportingposition 702. The springs 610 a and 610 b are positioned between theframe 906 and the shoulder supports 904. The springs 610 provide tensionto keep the shoulder supports 604 positioned in either the storageposition 608 or the transporting position 702.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair1000 according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments,the backpack chair 1000 includes at least one panel 1002 a and 1002 b, achair back frame 1004, a chair seat frame 1006, at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support 1008 a and 1008 b (collectivelyshoulder supports 1008), and a cushion 1010 a and 1010 b (collectively1010).

The chair back frame 1004 supports the back support panel 1002 a. Incertain embodiment, the chair back frame 1004 includes a tubular framethat extends about at least three sides of the back support panel 1002a. The chair back frame 1004 includes a top end 1112 and a bottom end1114. The chair back frame 1004 includes at least one chair back framecross member 1113.

The chair seat frame 1006 supports the seat support panel 1002 b. Thechair seat frame 1006, like the chair back frame 1004, includes atubular frame that extends around at least three sides of the seatsupport panel 1002 b. The chair seat frame 1006 has a front end 1116positioned opposite a rear end 1118. The chair seat frame 1006 includesat least one chair seat cross member 1007. The bottom end 1114 of thechair back frame 1004 is pivotably coupled to the rear end 1118 of thechair seat frame 1006.

The back support panel 1002 a is made of a fabric or other semi-pliablematerial that is stretched about the chair back frame 1004 to providesupport for a user's back when the user is seated in the backpack chair1000. Similarly, the seat support panel 1002 b is made of a fabric orother semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair seat frame1006 to provide support for a user's backside when the user is seated inthe backpack chair 1000. In other embodiments, the back support panel1002 a and the seat support panel 1002 b may be made of a rigidmaterial.

As can be seen in the exploded popout of the coupling area 1120 of theshoulder supports 1008, the shoulder supports 1008 are substantiallysimilar to and operate in a manner substantially similar to theshoulders supports 604 and 904 described above with reference toapparatus 600 and apparatus 900 respectively. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10, the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupledto the chair seat cross member 1007 at the front end 1116 of the chairseat frame 1006 by fastening elements 914 a and 914 b (i.e., screw,bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1008 pivot. In thestorage position, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 arepositioned parallel to and adjacent the chair seat cross member 1007. Inthe transporting position at least a portion of the shoulder supports1008 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the chair seat crossmember 1007.

Springs 610 a and 610 b are positioned between the front end 1116 of thechair seat frame 1006 and the shoulder supports 1008. The springs 610 aand 610 b provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 1008 positionedin either the storage position 608 or the transporting position 702. Incertain embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 a and 1008 b are wrappedin cushioning material 1122 a and 1122 b respectively to provide comfortto the user when transporting the backpack chair 1000.

In other embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupledto the chair back frame cross member 1113 at the top end 1112 of thechair back frame 1004. In the storage position, at least a portion ofthe shoulder supports 1008 are positioned parallel to and adjacent thechair back frame cross member 1113. In the transporting position atleast a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 is positionedsubstantially perpendicular to the chair back frame cross member 1113.Of course one of skill in the art will recognize that the shouldersupports 1008 could be coupled to either the rear end 1118 of the chairseat frame 1006 or the bottom end 1114 of the chair back frame 1004.

The cushion 1010 is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame 1004 by apair of supporting rods 1024 a and 1024 b. This allows the cushion 1010to be pivoted in the direction of arrow 1026 from a head rest positionas illustrated by the broken line depiction of the head rest 1010 a to alumbar support position as illustrated by the solid line depiction ofthe head rest 1010 b. When the backpack chair 1000 is folded, the headrest 1010 can be positioned in the lumbar support position to keep theheadrest positioned between the back support panel 1002 a and the seatsupport panel 1002 b. This keeps the backpack chair 1000 compact when auser wishes to transport the backpack chair 1000.

In certain embodiments, a height of the backpack chair 1000 can beadjusted by adjusting a height of either the front leg frame 1028 or aheight of the rear leg frame 1030. As can be seen in the exploded popout of the front leg extension area 1032, in certain embodiments eitherthe front leg frame 1028, the rear leg frame 1030 or both include aseries of holes 1034. A pinning element (not shown) engages one of theholes to position either the front leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame1130 at a desired height. Disengaging the pinning element from the hole1034 allows the height of either the front leg frame 1028 or the rearleg frame 1130 to be adjusted to a position where the pinning elementcan engage another hole 1034 to adjust the height of either the frontleg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 in the direction of arrow1036.

In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 includes a removable footrest1038 a and 1038 b (collectively footrest 1038). The footrest 1038 isrepositionable in the direction of arrow 1040. In certain embodiments,the footrest 1038 may be positioned in a packable position asillustrated by the solid line depiction of the footrest 1038 a whereinthe footrest 1038 is positioned adjacent the seat panel 1002 b. In anextended position, as depicted by the broken line illustration of thefootrest 1038 b, a footrest frame 1042 is removable coupled to andextends from the front end 1116 of the chair seat frame 1006.

The popout illustration of the footrest frame coupling area 1044 depictsone embodiment of the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height ofthe footrest 1038. In such an embodiment, a ratchet 1046 is interposedbetween the footrest frame 1042 and the chair seat frame 1006. Theratchet 1046 allows the height of the footrest 1038 to be adjusted inthe direction of arrow 1040. In certain embodiments, a pushpin (notshown) engages a hole 1048 to releaseably couple the footrest frame 1042to the chair seat frame 1006. This allows a user to remove the footrest1038 when the user does not desire the footrest 1038.

In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 itself is rotatable in thedirection indicated by arrow 1052. In such an embodiment, the footrest1038 is coupled to the footrest frame 1042 by a pin 1050 that extendsthrough the footrest 1038 and the foot rest frame 1042.

In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 also includes a beverageholder 1052. As is shown in the popout of the beverage holder couplingarea 1054, the beverage holder 1052, in certain embodiments, ispivotably coupled to and extends from an end of an arm rest 1056opposite wherein the arm rest 1056 is coupled to the chair back frame1004. In such an embodiment, the beverage holder 1052 is pivotablyadjustable to adjust a position beverage holder 1052 when the backpackchair 1000 is positioned in the transport position 606.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director'schair 1102 according to the present subject matter. In certainembodiments, the director's chair 1102 includes a substantially rigidframe 1104 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 1106 aand 1106 b (collectively shoulder supports 1106).

The frame 1104, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a folding chairseat frame 1107, a folding chair back frame 1109 and at least onefolding chair armrest frame 1112 a and 1112 b (collectively foldingchair armrest frames 1112). The folding chair seat 1108 frame includes apair of crisscrossing rigid supports 1108 a and 1108 b that extendbetween the folding chair armrest frames 1112 a and 1112 b. Thecrisscrossing rigid supports 1108 a and 1108 b support a seat panel1114. The folding chair back frame 1109 includes a pair of uprightsupports 1110 a and 1110 b that support a back panel 1116. Combined, thefolding chair seat frame 1107 and folding chair back frame 1109 alongwith the seat panel 1114 and the back panel 1116 support a user in anupright seated position when the director's chair 1102 is positioned inthe seating position 1118 as depicted in FIG. 11.

The folding chair armrest frames 1112 a and 1112 b, in one embodiment,include vertical supports 1120 a, 1120 b and 1120 c, 1120 d respectively(collectively vertical supports 1120). The vertical supports 1120support armrest frame cross members 1122 a and 1122 b (collectivelyarmrest frame cross members 1122) which extend substantiallyhorizontally between the vertical supports 1120 a, 1120 b and 1120 c,1120 d respectively. When the director's chair 1102 is positioned in theseating position 1118, the armrest frame cross members 1122 a and 1122 bprovide a comfortable support for the user's arms.

The shoulder supports 1106 are pivotably coupled to the frame 1104 byone or more, fastening elements 1124 a and 1142 b (i.e., screw, bolts,etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1106 pivot. The shouldersupports 1106 are pivotable from a storage position 1202 as illustratedin FIG. 12 to a transporting position 1126 as illustrated in FIG. 11.While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 depicts the director's chair1102 positioned in the seating position 1118 with the shoulder supports1106 positioned in the transporting position 1126, one of skill in theart will recognize that the director's chair 1102 will typically betransported when the director's chair 1102 is positioned in the foldedposition 1204 (see, FIG. 12). However, with the present disclosure, thedirector's chair 1102 can be transported in either the seating position1118 or the in the folded position 1204.

In the storage position 1202, the shoulder supports 1106 are positionedadjacent the frame 1104 (i.e., adjacent armrest frame cross member 1122a). That is, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1106 (i.e.,either the extending portion 1128 a, 1128 b or the hooking portion 1130a, 1130 b) is positioned parallel with the frame 1104. In thetransporting position 1126, the shoulder supports 1106 extend from theframe 1104.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director's backpackchair 1100 of FIG. 11 in a closed position 1204 according to the presentsubject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the shouldersupports 1106 are depicted in the storage position 1202.

In the storage position 1202, the extending portions 1128 a and 1128 bof the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are positioned adjacent toand parallel the armrest frame cross member 1122 a. The hooking portions1130 a and 1130 b of the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b arepositioned adjacent to and parallel vertical supports 1120 a and 1120 bof the folding chair armrest frame 1112 a. In this position, theshoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are tucked away to avoidinterference with the use of the director's backpack chair 1100.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to transport an item on a user'sback, the apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid frame; at leastone substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the frame,the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from astorage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storageposition, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support ispositioned adjacent the frame and wherein, in the transporting position,the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends from theframe.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at leastone of a folding chair back frame, a folding chair seat frame, and afolding chair armrest frame.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theframe comprises a backpack frame.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein,in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel with thesubstantially rigid frame.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in thetransport position, at least a portion of the at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder support extends substantially perpendicularly from theframe.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at leastone of a chair back frame and a chair seat frame, the chair back framehaving a top end and a bottom end, the chair seat frame having a frontend disposed opposite a rear end.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotablycoupled to at least one of the top end of the chair back frame and thefront end of the chair seat frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe chair back frame comprises a chair back frame cross member and thechair seat frame comprises a chair seat cross member, wherein, in thestorage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to and adjacent at leastone of the chair back frame cross member and the chair seat cross memberand wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the atleast one substantially rigid shoulder support is positionedsubstantially perpendicular to at least one of the chair back framecross member and the chair seat cross member.
 9. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the frame comprises a folding chair armrest frame having atleast one vertical support member, the at least one vertical supportmember supporting at least one armrest frame cross member, wherein, inthe storage position, at least a portion of the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at leastone of the at least one vertical support member and the at least onearmrest frame cross member and wherein, in the transporting position atleast a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder supportis positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the atleast one vertical support member and the at least one armrest framecross member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion anda hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantiallyperpendicularly from the frame with the at least one substantially rigidshoulder support positioned in the transport position, the hookingportion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portiontransitioning to an angle substantially perpendicular to the extendingportion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extending portion isapproximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulderfrom a chest of the user to a back of the user.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a biasing element disposed between thesubstantially rigid frame and the at least one substantially rigidshoulder support, the biasing element biasing the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support in at least one of the storageposition and the transporting position.
 13. A backpack chair, thebackpack chair comprising: a frame comprising at least one of a chairback frame and a chair seat frame; and at least one substantially rigidshoulder support pivotably coupled to the frame, the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage positionto a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the atleast one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacentthe frame and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support extends substantiallyperpendicularly from the frame.
 14. The backpack chair of claim 13,wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprisesan extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portionextending substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at leastone substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transportingposition, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, thehooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially perpendicular tothe extending portion.
 15. The backpack chair of claim 14, wherein theextending portion is approximately a same length as an average width ofa user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user. 16.The backpack chair of claim 13, further comprising a biasing elementconfigured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder supportin at least one of the storage position and the transporting position.17. The backpack chair of claim 13, wherein the frame further comprisesa folding chair armrest frame having at least one vertical supportmember, the at least one vertical support member supporting at least onearmrest frame cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at least aportion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support ispositioned parallel to at least one of the at least one vertical supportmember and the at least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, inthe transporting position at least a portion of the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantiallyperpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical supportmember and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
 18. A backpackchair, the backpack chair comprising: a frame comprising a folding chairarmrest frame having at least one vertical support member, the at leastone vertical support member supporting at least one armrest frame crossmember; and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotablycoupled to the frame, the at least one substantially rigid shouldersupport pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position,wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigidshoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and wherein, in thetransporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shouldersupport extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
 19. Thebackpack chair of claim 18, wherein, in the storage position, at least aportion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support ispositioned parallel to at least one of the at least one vertical supportmember and the at least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, inthe transporting position at least a portion of the at least onesubstantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantiallyperpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical supportmember and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
 20. The backpackchair of claim 18, wherein the at least one substantially rigid shouldersupport comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, theextending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the framewith the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned inthe transporting position, the hooking portion extending from theextending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an anglesubstantially perpendicular to the extending portion.